53. The High Frequency Word Project with Rebecca Loveless & Fiona Hamilton

What if high-frequency words aren’t “irregular” after all?In this episode of Literacy in Color, I sit down with Rebecca Loveless and Fiona Hamilton, co-authors of The High Frequency Word Project, to dig into the stories behind some of the most common words in English.Too often, these little “function words” get handed to students on flashcards with the message: just memorize it. But Rebecca and Fiona show us that high-frequency words aren’t exceptions to the system, they have explanations. When we teach students the phonology, morphology, etymology, and meaning layers of these words, we give them logic, structure, and stories they can hold onto for life.Key Takeaways:Why high-frequency words can be particularly tricky for students (and why function words often have “nebulous” meanings)The role of storytelling in making these words memorable, meaningful, and engagingHow many high-frequency words trace back to Old English and what that history reveals about spelling todayThe difference between memorization and true orthographic mappingPractical classroom routines, like anchor–analyze–practice, tap spelling, and meaning games, that help students succeedWhether you’ve ever wondered why “was” has an a, or why “know” keeps its silent k, this conversation will leave you empowered with strategies and stories to bring into your classroom.Resources:Grab your copy of The High Frequency Word ProjectHigh Frequency Word Project WebsiteHigh Frequency Word Project Facebook PageThis post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!Connect with Rebecca Loveless:Website: www.illuminatewords.comLinkedInEmail: [email protected] with Fiona Hamilton:Website: https://wordtorque.comLinkedInEmail: [email protected] with Michelle:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos LiveMentioned in this episode:SOR Summer Book StudyJoin us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-summer-book-study-2026Reading Science AcademyGet your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color